In the pre-dawn hours, Rhodes pedals to a construction site of his choosing in East Liberty. They’ve become plentiful over the last couple years.

Work starts early there and with so many new projects taking over the neighborhood, Rhodes thought it might be a good idea to take his coffee shop on the road.

“There’s probably 100 pounds on the back of my bike right now,” Rhodes said during his morning run.

He’s pouring a cup for the people who are helping to make a difference.

“I’m always for the underdog,” Rhodes said. “I like being the underdog. I like areas that come up, cause you’re part of the change, you see the change, you see change happening and you know you’re helping it out and part of it. So that feels good.”

After the morning rush of arriving workers, Rhodes fuels laborers during the mid-morning break.

“I think it’s a fantastic idea,” person said.

“It’s definitely a good move on his part,” said construction worker Jim Cochran.

“Seen him riding around on his bike a little bit here and there,” another construction worker, Steve LaPlace said. “And I think it’s pretty neat.”

Rhodes is also using his brew as a conversation starter. Learning more about what’s coming to his community with every cup of Joe he serves.

“I want people to come,” he says. “I want new things to happen. I want change to happen. I want bigger, better things to happen. I think it will be a good thing for the area itself.”

“I love my neighborhood,” Rhodes said. “I live here. I work here. I own a business here. I want to stay here.”